Demon Sword Maiden

As the final echoes of her projections faded into black mist, Lily’s sensory connection to the battle waned. The ominous procession of the black-armored army soon trudged into the valley, a sight marked by indifference to the fallen, underscored by the crushing of bone and armor underfoot. This legion, comprising Yomi archdemons, exotic beasts, and demon generals of grotesque visage and malevolent presence, moved with a singular purpose.

At the heart of this dread army, borne by eight formidable demon bearers, was a colossal black sedan chair, its ancient heft denoting power, marked by the crest of the Genji Clan. From this dark throne alighted Lord Kamakura, a figure of deceptive ordinariness, clothed in a dark blue kimono and crowned with a tall hat, his stature imposing.

“Prepare a proper burial for Kato Keiren,” intoned Lord Kamakura, a thread of genuine regret woven into his command, honoring the high-ranking general who had stood by him in the conquest of rule.

Adjacent to Lord Kamakura stood an enigmatic youth, a samurai garbed in crimson armor. His hairstyle and white forehead band were overshadowed by his inhuman features: pale blue skin, golden eyes, and a triad of blood-red horns. His back bore a large blade, ornate and alien, its scabbard etched with patterns not of this world.

“Lord Kamakura, are there truly formidable female samurai in these lands?” inquired the young demon, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Kamakura’s voice was calm yet laden with truth as he spoke, “Indeed, if we can shatter this maze, a host of powerful and ravishing female samurai await us. It’s said to be a gathering of the Heian period’s most exquisite beauties.”

The young man chuckled mischievously, his golden tongue flickering out like a flame, a testament to his unrestrained nature. “Now that is tempting!”

“Young Master Muyu, remember, as the son of the Lord of Carefree City, you are bound by our pact. Kagami Lily is mine to claim. I shall be the one to torment her for a millennium before I exact revenge for my brother’s demise,” asserted a hulking demon general, his stature reaching five meters. His appearance was striking with a sumo’s topknot, azure skin, and eyes like fresh blood.

“You presume she’s yours to claim? On the battlefield, each of us must lean on our own strength. If capturing that woman is your desire, then make it so with your own two hands!” Muyu Hikomoto’s tone, edged with the authority of one of the four heavenly kings, left no room for doubt; he rejected the notion of dependence or shared glory in their grim task.

Matori Nishin, known as the third leader of the Matori Abyss, replied with rising irritation, “What arrogance! Your ties to Carefree City do not cow me.” His words, sharp with defiance, refused to acknowledge any supposed intimidation from Hikomoto’s prestigious background.

Unperturbed by the challenge, Hikomoto restated the hierarchy between them. “Be mindful of our ranks. Your title is that of a demon general, while I am elevated as one of the four heavenly kings.” His words carved a clear divide between their stations, seeking to diminish Matori’s significance.

“So what?” came Matori’s terse rebuttal, slicing through Muyu’s grandstanding. It was a stark refusal to acquiesce to the perceived authority of the heavenly king, a reminder that titles do not equate to absolute power.

Amidst the rising tension, Kamakura’s voice cut through, measured and firm. “Both of you, don’t underestimate the enemy,” he warned. “You are free to fight the other female samurai, but Kagami Lily is a legendary figure who even managed to kill Shuten Doji. Although it was a coincidence

1, it still shows how dangerous this woman is.”

The name Shuten Doji elicited a reaction from Matori, whose plump face twitched in either ignorance or disbelief. “Shuten Doji? Who is that?” he questioned, his knowledge of the infamous figure seemingly nonexistent.

Hikomoto scoffed at the mention of such figures. “I’ve heard that a lecherous little monk turned into a demon and claimed to be one of the world’s three great archdemons. A guy like that is nothing in front of my father!” His words dripped with disdain, underscoring his father’s might.